How to get a Lake Taupō Fishing Licence

A bit about Lake Taupō

The largest lake by surface area in New Zealand, Lake Taupō was created by a super-volcanic eruption about 25,000 years ago. It is home to the aforementioned rainbow trout and brown trout, as well as other fish species such as koaro, common bully and common smelt.

Over 30 streams and rivers drain into Lake Taupō. It receives between 1250 mm and 2000 mm of rainfall every year. The lake water is clear and safe to swim in, thanks to efforts by the Waikato Regional Council.

What you should know about getting a Lake Taupō fishing licence

Fishing in the Lake Taupō district without a licence attracts an infringement fine or prosecution. The Lake Taupō district comprises the lake and its tributaries, including Lake Kuratau, Lake Rotoaira, Waikato River to Huka Falls, and Moawhango.

The licence is administered by the Department of Conservation. It is valid from 1 July to 30 June each year. A fishing licence that you may have acquired in any other fishing district in New Zealand is not valid in Lake Taupō.

How do you get the licence?

You must purchase it online from the Department of Conservation website. Choose the class of licence you want and proceed to make your payment. To make the purchase, you will need to provide the following information: the dates on which you will be fishing in the region, your first and last name, date of birth, and gender.

Please note you are no longer able to purchase a licence at physical stores. All licences must be purchased online.

Lake Taupo fishing licence fees

24-hour licence

• Adult: $23.00
• Child: $5.00

Week licence

• Adult: $49.00
• Non-resident: $89.00

Whole-season licence

• Adult: $105.00
• Senior: $90.00
• Non-resident: $169.00
• Family (allows for up to four children): $159.00
• Child: $13.50

The fees are inclusive of goods and services tax.

Definitions of terms

• Non-resident: An individual who is neither a citizen nor permanent resident of New Zealand (as per section 4 of the Immigration Act 2009).
• 24-hour licence: With this licence, you can fish trout within the Taupō District during any 24-hour period mentioned in the licence.
• Family: A family fishing licence covers:
  • You, or you and your partner/spouse; and
  • Your dependant(s) who ordinarily or periodically reside with you; and
  • Are under 18 years of age on 1 July; and
  • Your grandchildren, who are under 18 years of age on 1 July

• Senior: An individual aged 65 years or older on 1 July

• Child: An individual who is under 18 years of age on 1 July

The fee is non-refundable. In exceptional cases, refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Note that Lake Rotoaira is privately owned, and you need a permit to go fishing or boating. Purchase a fishing licence for Lake Rotoaira via the DOC website here.

What information does a Lake Taupō fishing licence contain?

• The holder's full name, date of birth and postal address
• Whether the holder is a child or an adult
• The class of fishing licence and its effect
• Time and date of issue
• The period during which the holder is authorised to take trout.

Which boating methods are permitted?

Boat fishing, fly fishing and spin fishing: You're required to stay 200 metres away from the stream mouths. The mouths are marked with white, yellow and black rings, so this should be your reference.

Fishing from an anchored boat is permitted less than 200 metres from the Tongariro River mouth, Tauranga-Taupō River mouth and Te Rae Point.

Boat fishing is prohibited in Taupō Boat Harbour.

Other regulations to know when you get a Taupō trout fishing licence

1. There is no daily bag limit for fishing on Lake Kutarau, Moawhango and Waipakihi Rivers. In all other waters in the Taupō Fishing District, except Lake Rotoaira, a daily limit of 6 trout per day applies.
2. The use of electronic devices for attracting fish is not permitted.
3. Selling or purchasing trout is illegal.
4. The taking of fish indigenous to Lake Taupō is forbidden. It is permitted only for members of the Ngati Tuwharetoa tribe.
5. Felt-soled boots cannot be worn when trout fishing.
6. After reaching your daily bag limit of trout, you cannot fish any more for the day.

Disclaimer: The process of getting a licence is subject to change. Always check with the licence agent for up-to-date information.